Australian fast bowler Scott Boland has opened up about an unconventional tactic that has aided his success in the ongoing Ashes series against England: bowling with wicket-keeper Alex Carey standing up to the stumps. Initially uncomfortable with the strategy, Boland now credits it for pinning down England's mobile batters.
From Reluctance to Acceptance: A Fast Bowler's Evolution
Boland, who has taken 11 wickets at an average of 28.09 in the first three Tests of this Ashes series, admitted the plan was suggested by coach Andrew McDonald. The idea was to counter the English batters' tendency to move around the crease. "As a fast bowler, you don't really like seeing the keeper up the stumps," Boland confessed during a media interaction in Melbourne. However, observing its effectiveness over the past month changed his perspective. He noted that Carey's position helps keep the batters still, allowing him to bowl a consistent, nagging length.
Trust in Carey's Gloves Proves Key
The 36-year-old pacer highlighted the crucial role of trust between bowler and keeper. In the past, having the keeper up made him bowl fuller than his ideal length. Now, he has complete faith in Carey's abilities, even on bouncy tracks like Brisbane's Gabba. "I've got full trust in 'Kez'... He's been really keeping the pressure on the England batters," Boland said. He recalled Carey catching balls above waist height and even snagging a bouncer, proving his capability. The duo communicates every few overs to decide the best positioning, with Boland backing Carey's judgment.
This tactical adjustment bore fruit notably in Perth, where Boland dismissed Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook in just 11 balls as they tried to drive on the up. His performance has been a reminder of his stunning debut Ashes series, where he claimed 18 wickets.
Looking Ahead to Melbourne and Squad Depth
With Australia leading the series 3-0, Boland is set to play his fourth consecutive Ashes Test in Melbourne. He will lead the pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc, with Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson also drafted into the squad. Boland praised the team's depth, mentioning the performances of Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett. "We're all hungry to keep performing and none of us are really guaranteed a spot," he stated, emphasizing the competitive environment pushing everyone to perform.
As the Boxing Day Test approaches, Boland's adaptation and the strategic use of his wicket-keeper stand as a testament to Australia's meticulous planning in their dominant Ashes campaign.
